Lathrop, MO

DWI/DUI Lawyer in Lathrop, MO. Facing DWI/DUI charges in Lathrop, MO is a serious legal matter that can result in severe penalties, including license suspension, steep fines, and even jail time. Additionally, a DWI/DUI can impact your career, professional license, and personal reputation in Lathrop, MO.

If you have been pulled over and are facing DWI/DUI charges, you need an expert Lathrop, MO DWI/DUI lawyer on your side immediately. Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online so that we can get to work building your defense in Lathrop, MO. Our attorneys—who have over 40 years of combined experience and have successfully handled 10,000+ cases just like yours throughout the Lathrop, MO area and across Missouri—are available for free, confidential consultations where they can discuss the specifics of your case and provide expert legal guidance on next steps.

Combs Waterkotte Fights Both Sides of Your Lathrop, MO DWI/DUI

Many Lathrop, MO residents don’t realize that a DWI/DUI charge involves both a criminal case and a civil case with the Missouri Department of Revenue. The criminal case, classified as a class B misdemeanor, can result in 6 months of jail time, a fine of up to $500, 8 points on your driving record, a 90-day driver’s license suspension, and additional penalties like mandatory participation in a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) and purchasing SR-22 insurance.

Few people realize that they have only 15 days from the date of arrest to request a hearing to challenge their license suspension or revocation. If you win, you keep your license. If you lose, you could face a suspension of 30 days to a year or even a 1-year revocation with an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) requirement.

Don’t fight this battle alone—let a Combs Waterkotte Lathrop, MO DWI/DUI lawyer handle both sides of your case. Give us a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

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Don’t “Blow” Your DWI/DUI Case: Key Mistakes to Avoid

Combs Waterkotte, Missouri’s leading DWI/DUI law firm, has handled over 10,000 cases successfully. This ebook guides you through the DWI/DUI defense process and helps you avoid key mistakes.

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What Should You Do After Being Pulled Over For DWI/DUI in Lathrop, MO?

Being stopped by law enforcement is always nerve-wracking, but when you’re suspected of DWI/DUI, the situation can feel overwhelming. Knowing your rights and how to respond can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. With decades of experience handling hundreds of DWI/DUI cases in and around Lathrop, MO, our firm recommends taking the following steps if you’re ever pulled over for a suspicion of DWI/DUI:

• Pull over in a safe manner. As soon as you notice flashing lights behind you, safely pull your vehicle over to the side of the road. Keep your hands visible, remain polite, and follow the officer’s instructions (within reason). If you are on a road with a shoulder, pull over there, or find a nearby parking lot. Try to avoid parking on grass.
• Remain calm and respectful. Your demeanor during a Lathrop, MO traffic stop can impact the officer’s response. Staying calm and courteous can help prevent unnecessary escalation. Arguing or being abrasive may lead to further scrutiny or even a vehicle search.
• Do not incriminate yourself. Remember: you have the right to remain silent. While you must provide basic information such as your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance, you are not required to answer questions about where you have been or whether you have been drinking. Police officers are looking for any excuse to continue an investigation and arrest you, so don’t give them any. Politely inform the officer that you choose to exercise your right to remain silent.
• Refuse field sobriety, breathalyzer, and blood tests. These tests are voluntary before an arrest and are commonly used to justify probable cause. Missouri’s implied consent law applies only after you are formally arrested.
• Document everything. If possible, mentally or physically document details such as time, location, the officer’s behavior, and any statements made. This information can be crucial to your defense
• Contact Combs Waterkotte immediately. Your conversation with an attorney is entirely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Getting advice from a knowledgeable Lathrop, MO DWI/DUI lawyer about whether you should answer questions at the station, any issues that arose during your stop, or other questions you might have can make the difference between losing the ability to drive, as well as possibly going to jail, and your case potentially being dismissed.

Knowing the possible consequences of a DWI/DUI charge is crucial, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney will walk you through them—and more—during a free, confidential case review. DWI/DUI laws can differ between jurisdictions, even within Lathrop, MO, and Johnson County. That’s why it’s important to speak with a DWI/DUI lawyer who understands the specific laws in your area and can provide guidance tailored to your case.

When you hire a Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI lawyer in or around Lathrop, MO, you’re not just choosing a leading DWI/DUI lawyer in and around Lathrop, MO – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to esteemed DWI/DUI attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Lathrop and beyond:

• Criminal Defense Lawyers

Why Hiring a DWI/DUI Lawyer in Lathrop, MO is Critical

Many people in Lathrop, MO assume they can handle a DWI/DUI charge without legal help, only to find themselves facing severe consequences. Missouri’s drunk driving laws are tough, and without a knowledgeable attorney, you risk losing your license, paying heavy fines, or even serving jail time. Here’s why having a DWI/DUI lawyer in Lathrop, MO is critical:

• Expert Legal Defense in Lathrop, MO — A DWI/DUI attorney knows the legal system inside and out and can expose flaws in the prosecution’s case.
• Protecting Your Driver’s License — With the right representation, you may avoid or reduce a license suspension through an administrative hearing.
• Challenging Test Results — Breathalyzers and field sobriety tests aren’t always accurate; a Lathrop, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can dispute flawed evidence and improper procedures.
• Negotiation Skills — A skilled Lathrop, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can negotiate for reduces penalties, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal of charges.

Charged with DWI/DUI in Lathrop, MO? Take Action Today

A DWI/DUI charge in Lathrop, MO is a serious matter—don’t risk your future by facing it alone. The sooner you hire a skilled Lathrop, MO DWI/DUI lawyer, the stronger your defense will be.

At Combs Waterkotte, our DWI/DUI lawyers in Lathrop, MO have a proven track record of successfully defending clients against charges. Let us fight for your rights and work toward the best possible outcome. Call (314) 900-HELP as soon as possible or contact us online for a free case review in Lathrop, MO.